RALPH Hasenhuttl revealed that he only found out Che Adams would be ruled out through a positive COVID test at 10pm the night before facing Tottenham Hotspur.

The Scottish international made his return from injury with a late cameo at West Ham and was likely set to start in the 1-1 draw with Antonio Conte’s side.

Shane Long led the line for Saints with Adam Armstrong and Stuart Armstrong flanking him, following Hasenhuttl having to make late changes to his planned XI.

“Yesterday at 10pm I heard about Che Adams,” he revealed.

“Made a few phone calls, late in the night to change a few things.”

Tino Livramento was also ruled out with a knee injury concern, as Hasenhuttl revealed the youngster has fluid in his knee.

Jannik Vestergaard had what sounded like a similar issue and never came back the same player, after playing on through the concern for Denmark.

Asked if Livramento’s concern is reminiscent of that, Hasenhuttl responded: “I’m not so sure, I don’t think so. It’s so tough the injury.”

Finally, Lyanco and Jack Stephens missed out again through COVID isolation periods and the boss added that they haven’t tested negative yet but he hopes they’ll be back Sunday.

“Not yet, but hopefully until Sunday.”